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The proposed parks cover more than 11 million rai, and could be run by private firms.

Paisarn Kuwalairat, head of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, said Cabinet had given in principle backing for royal decrees to set up 17 parks, including Doi Phu Nang in Phayao and Thong Pha Phum in Kanchanaburi.

The Royal Forest Department (RFD) also said it has no objection to the new reserves.

"The process has long been delayed. Now, we are going to get the necessary documents ready and go ahead with declaring the new parks," Paisarn said.

In regard to the 11 other planned parks, the conservation department would soon contact the RFD and other relevant authorities to set them up.

Wichit Pattanakosai, deputy directorgeneral of the department, said he planned to get the private sector to run the new parks. "They will be responsible for ensuring a sustainable environ¬ment, management, fair access to services and creating an income for the locals," he said.

In response to concerns that tourism would hurt the environment, Wichit said his department would be laying down proper guidelines. "Besides, businessmen are now more environmentally conscious," he said.

He said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Anongwan Thepsuthin would convene a meeting of relevant agencies next week before choosing which groups would be allowed to run tourismrelated businesses at national parks.